Imagine a secret pathway to transform your puppy into a confident, socially savvy dog. What if a suitable puppy class could be the key to unlocking your dog’s potential? Most new puppy owners don’t realize that puppy classes are not about meeting as many dogs and people as possible or learning to sit and shake a paw. Puppy classes are a critical window of opportunity to shape your dog’s future, so they must be done well.
This post pulls back the curtain on puppy classes, showing how strategic, positive experiences can shape your puppy into a dog who navigates the world with grace, resilience, and an insatiable desire to explore. Prepare to discover the art and science of raising an extraordinary dog… starting with puppy classes.
Unfortunately, some vets believe all puppies should be fully vaccinated before starting puppy classes. If your vet is one of those, keep reading!
According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s Position Statement on Puppy Socialization, “the primary and most important time for puppy socialization is the first three months of life. During this time, puppies should be exposed to as many new people, animals, stimuli and environments as can be achieved safely and without causing overstimulation manifested as excessive fear, withdrawal or avoidance behavior. For this reason, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior believes that it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated.”
In general, puppies can start puppy socialization classes in an appropriate wee-baby puppy class as early as 7-8 weeks. Your puppy should have had at least one set of vaccines and a deworming at least 7 days before the first class, and stick to the vet’s guidelines for further vaccinations during the class period (typically every 3-4 weeks).
Note: Bordetella is an optional/recommended vaccination, but your puppy may be required to attend class, particularly if the space is shared with another dog business. Check your class requirements and speak with your vet.
This article by veterinarian Dr. Rachel Szumel explains the balancing act of protecting your puppy from disease and behavior concerns due to a lack of socialization.
When in doubt, puppy sits out
Puppies are encouraged to visit safe, clean environments, but it does not mean that you should allow your puppy to interact freely at high-traffic areas where adult dogs may or may not be vaccinated or socially healthy. Talk to your veterinarian about specific situations or areas that you’re unsure about.
Questions for the group class instructor
How many puppies are in the class?
The number should be reasonable to the space and # of instructors teaching and give everyone adequate space. You might ask if each student gets some one-on-one time with the single class instructor. I like no more than five puppies maximum per trainer/assistant, but experienced trainers may run larger classes.
The benefit of a larger class is more puppy play options! If you have a shy puppy, there will likely be at least one gentle playmate in a larger class. If your puppy is the hulk-smash type, they can find a pal or even a squad in a larger class.
How do you manage puppy playtime?
A good puppy class will ensure that all the puppies are having a good time by separating the more spirited puppies from the shy puppies and facilitating positive play. Puppies should always be allowed to opt out of playtime and hide by their owners if they want to.
Balancing playtime for early exposure while encouraging focus on their owner takes skill! An experienced instructor will help owners recognize signs of over-arousal and stop play that encourages bad habits.
Are the puppy classes separate from the adult classes?
The location where the puppy class is held should be clean and sanitized. Puppy classes should not be held directly after an adult dog class in the same area. Dogs over 6 months of age should be in the adult class.
Bonus points if the instructor has separate courses for small-breed puppies!
Can I view a class?
An instructor should welcome viewers to their class. It’s a great way to introduce positive training! While you’re there, ask yourself, ‘Would my puppy and I look forward to coming to this class?’
What support do you offer?
What will be covered in your curriculum?
We love it when classes focus on how dogs learn, socialization/ gentle exposure, off-leash play, handling and grooming, body language, and signs of stress. There should also be a discussion of common puppy challenges and setting your puppy up for success. Your instructor may cover some basic behaviors, but your puppy will have plenty of time to learn to sit, down, stay, and leave it.
The format of a well-run puppy class includes
"I've always had dogs."
What training equipment do you use?
How did you become a dog trainer?
What training philosophy do you use?
When you choose a trustworthy puppy class that nurtures curiosity as a life skill, you’re not just investing in training—you’re opening the door to a lifetime of confident exploration and joyful discoveries. Through carefully structured exposure and positive experiences, your puppy learns that the world is full of fascinating opportunities rather than threats to fear. This foundation of curiosity becomes their compass, guiding them through every new experience with grace, resilience, and an adventurous spirit that will serve them (and you!) for years to come.
